Linking transconnector for coupling spinal rods

Abstract

A Linking Transconnector is disclosed for coupling a first longitudinal spinal rod to a second longitudinal spinal rod. The Linking Transconnector generally includes a pair of hook engaging members for engaging the longitudinal spinal rods, a lateral rod for spanning a distance between the hook engaging members, and a locking element which interconnects the hook engaging members with the lateral rod. The locking element being configured to allow for multiple degrees of adjustment to permit the Linking Transconnector to accommodate for varying spinal rod alignments. The locking element also permits the location of the lateral rod to be fixed relative to the hook engaging members once the desired position of the lateral rod with respect to the longitudinal spinal rods has been achieved. The locking element may also be able to fix the position of the lateral rod with respect to the hook engaging members by a force applied to the locking element.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a device for spinal fixation, and in particular to a transconnector for coupling adjacent spinal rods, or other elongated members. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] It is often necessary to surgically correct and stabilize spinal curvatures, or to facilitate spinal fusion, for example as the result of a degenerative spinal disorder such as scoliosis. Numerous systems for use in spinal correction and fixation have been disclosed. These systems usually include a pair of elongated members, typically either rods or plates, longitudinally placed on the posterior spine on either side of spinous processes of the vertebral column. For the sake of simplicity, the term “rod” will be used hereafter to refer to any elongated member regardless of size and / or shape. Each rod is attached to various vertebra along the length of the spine by way of attachment devices which may include, but are not limited to, pedicle screws, plates, tra...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The present invention relates to a Linking Transconnector used for coupling a first longitudinal spinal rod to a second longitudinal spinal rod. The Linking Transconnector generally includes a pair of hook engaging members for engaging the longitudinal spinal rods, a lateral rod for spanning a distance between the hook engaging members, and a locking element which interconnects the hook engaging members with the lateral rod. The locking element generally includes a locking sleeve and a bushing, the locking sleeve being slidably located on the lateral rod thereby permitting the Linking Transconnector to accommodate varying distances between the longitudinal spinal rods, while the bushing is sized and dimensioned to be disposed between the locking sleeve and the hook engaging members thereby permitting universal adjustment between the hook engaging members and the lateral rod, and thus between the longitudinal spinal rods and the lateral rod.

[0010] The locking element also permits the location of the lateral rod to be fixed relative to the hook engaging members once desired position of the lateral rod with respect to the longitudinal spinal rods has been achieved. That is, the locking element may be configured to fix, both rotationally and translationally, the position of the lateral rod with respect to the hook engaging members and thus to the longitudinal spinal rods, by having both a locked and an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the locking element may permit rotation and telescopic adjustment of the hook engaging members with respect to the lateral rod. In the locked position, the locking element may fix, both rotationally and translationally, the position of the lateral rod with respect to the associated hook engaging member, thus fixing the relative positions of the lateral rod and the longitudinal spinal rod. The locking element may be configured to the locked position through the application of a force to the locking element. This force may cause the locking sleeve to compress against the outer surface of the lateral rod while simultaneously causing the bushing to expand to engage the hook engaging members, thereby locking the relative positions of the lateral rod, the hook engaging member and the locking element both rotationally and translationally, with respect to one another.

[0011] The lateral rod and locking element may also be sized and configured to mate with the hook engaging members such that disassembly of the lateral rod and hook engaging members is prohibited once the Linking Transconnector has been assembled. This helps facilitate installation of the Linking Transconnector by reducing the likelihood that the transconnector will accidentally come apart during installation in the patient.

[0015] The locking element of the present invention may include a locking sleeve and a bushing wherein the locking sleeve has a first end, a second end, and a through bore extending therethrough, the through bore being sized and configured to receive the lateral rod therein. Similarly, the bushing has a first end, a second end, and a through bore therethrough, the through bore being sized and configured to receive the locking sleeve therein. The bushing may be sized and configured to be slidably moveably along the locking sleeve. The locking sleeve and bushing may also include a slit therethrough for facilitating installation. The hook engaging members, locking sleeve and lateral rod may also be sized and configured so that, once assembled, the hook engaging member will not separate from the bushing, the bushing will be retained on the locking sleeve and the locking sleeve will be retained on the lateral rod. This arrangement ensures that once the Linking Transconnector has been pre-assembled it will remain intact during installation in the patient.

Problems solved by technology

The use of transconnectors, however, can provide surgeons with one or more difficulties.

However, due to a wide variety of factors, the two rods are rarely so geometrically aligned in clinical situations.

The addition of such adjustability, however, may require the transconnector to consist of numerous pieces that can be difficult to assemble and use while in the surgical environment.

Furthermore, when transconnectors are placed over adjacent spinal rods, the extended profile of the device often results in soft tissue trauma and may result in surgical complications.

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